Bill Courtney

CEO of Classic American Hardwoods, Volunteer High School Football Coach, Author & Subject of the Academy Award-Winning Documentary "Undefeated"

Travels From Travels From:
Memphis, TN, USA
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Bill Courtney Biography

William B. Courtney (Bill), a native Memphian, founded Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. in 2001. Today, it employs 120 people with a 45 acre manufacturing facility and domestic sales offices in Memphis, TN and international sales offices in Shanghai, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In 2007, Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. won the Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year Award based on its growth and commitment to community service.

In 2003, Courtney began volunteering at Memphis’ inner city Manassas High School in an effort to turn its underperforming football team around. In 2003, the team had 19 players with a dismal 4-95, 10-year record. In the 2008 & 2009 seasons, the team’s record improved to 18-2, with 75 players. The story inspired a Hollywood film—Undefeated—which won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Feature Length Documentary.

In 2011, Courtney was inducted into Bridge Builders for leadership in diversity, community, and justice. He was the 2012 recipient of the Liberty Bowl’s Harry Zinn Spirit of 1776 award for distinguished citizenship, recipient of the Carnival Memphis’ King’s award for outstanding achievement in Business and Industry, and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of fame Memphis chapter’s award winner for The distinguished American for Contribution to Amateur Athletics. In 2013, he was inducted into the prestigious Society of Entrepreneurs as a result of his success in business and community service.

Today, Courtney still operates as the President and CEO of Classic American Hardwoods. He speaks at a variety of events from the Para Olympics in Colorado Springs, with Nike, PepsiCo, FedEx, and other nationally recognized companies, to churches, schools, and hospitals. His first book, "Against the Grain," was published by Weinstein Books in May 2014.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/09/2024.

Bill Courtney Speaking Topics

  • For Faith Based Groups

    Bill Courtney volunteered as a football coach, but he became a father figure to the players as well. Most came from broken homes, and having grown up without a father himself, Courtney could relate to their situation.His personal faith had always sustained him, and as he grew and started his own family, it continued to be a cornerstone of the tools for living he successfully employs.

  • What Is Success?

    According to Courtney, football doesn't build character. It reveals character. When Bill Courtney began volunteering to coach a local losing football team, neither he nor the players knew how far they'd go, but their journey together became an inspiring lesson.The players soon realized that Courtney would not let them slide when it came to the fundamentals. Not just of football, but of the actions that count in the real world: commitment, dedication, integrity.The same traits that Courtney encouraged of his players have proven themselves in his business success as well. Having started a lumber business from his living room, Courtney turned it into a $40 million enterprise that currently does business all over the world. Even when the recession hit, Courtney's business thrived. "Walking the talk" of hard work, integrity and dedication, he believes that if you do the right thing, profits will follow.

    According to Courtney, to do the right thing, you need to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone, Deserve Success, Serve Others and Outwork Everyone Else. His discipline, combined with true caring, showed his team that true success isn't about trophies or awards on a shelf. It's about living life by a set of values one can be proud of long after their days on the field were over.

Bill Courtney Videos

  • Undefeated Coach on Going Against the Grain
  • Newsmax: Famed Coach Bill Courtney: Character, Integrity Paramount
  • Coach Bill Courtney - Good Day Tulsa - YouTube

Bill Courtney Books

  • Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love
    Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love

FAQs on booking Bill Courtney

  • How do I book Bill Courtney to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Bill Courtney

    Speaking fees for Bill Courtney, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Bill Courtney are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Bill Courtney, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Bill Courtney speak about?

    Bill Courtney is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Football, Inspirational, Non-Profit, Social Activism, Sports Coaching.
  • Where does Bill Courtney travel from?

    Bill Courtney generally travels from Memphis, TN, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Bill Courtney’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Bill Courtney for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Bill Courtney for your next private or corporate function.
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Bill Courtney is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as For Faith Based Groups and What Is Success?. The estimated speaking fee range to book Bill Courtney for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Bill Courtney generally travels from Memphis, TN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Dan Pallotta, John Wood, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Emmitt Smith and Jeff Raikes. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Bill Courtney for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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